Oh hey! Did you guys know that yesterday was Valentine’s Day? The holiday of red hearts and flowers and chocolate and teddy bears? I think it’s supposed to be about something else, too.. Oh yes, love and other mushy stuff…
Now, to someone who thinks that yoga is just an exercise that involves stretching, it might seem like a leap to connect yoga with love. The rest of us know that in a lot of ways, the practice of yoga IS love. It’s an expression of love for ourselves–we love ourselves enough to take care of our bodies and minds. But yoga is an expression of love for the people around us, too.
This is one of the reasons I don’t like when yoga gets lumped in with spa services. Some people think that yoga is something they do only for themselves, a little luxury that makes them feel good about themselves. But the truth is your loved ones get a lot out of your practice, too. They see your example of self care. They see the radiant light that you exude in the minutes and hours after your yoga practice. You are more fun to be around, more patient, more kind, and more giving after your practice–and that makes it the best gift you can give to the people you love.
How did you celebrate Love Day?
I spent a relaxing day with my guy sending you lots of love
A little self love: yoga & meditation when I woke up.
A little doggie love: walking, feeding & cuddling with the kooky pooch.
A little hubby love: hugging, kissing, and squeezing my man. Buying him flowers and a mooshy card
A little world love: giving everyone an extra big smile & wishing them love and happiness.
I worked on a yoga sequence for class with the intention of bringing in some extra love. More importantly though, I talked to one of my favorite six year olds and listened about her V-DAy celebration. A reminder of how seeing through a child's eyes can wash away the hurt and loneliness often associated with this holiday.
Backbends, blogging, poetry and proclaiming love for myself. Spontaneous happy-dance with a like-minded single person. Said "happy V day" to a bunch o' folks. Ate chocolate.
Agreed … my wife and I have become much more accepting and caring of each other … yoga keeps me humble … we had a peaceful, quiet evening together when I returned from practice.
Amen, sister. My family can't be the only one that, when I get crabby or flustered [never!] glance over with a puzzled looks and ask "have you had your yoga today?" 🙂 The Big Guy and I had a low-key V-Day evening – went for a long walk, did a few sun sals, and had a nice dinner. Mango sorbet, dark chocolate, and snuggling followed. Pretty darn good day!
Yoga (with lots of heart openers), Meditation, Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Champagne with Mr Man = awesome VD Day! Hope yours was fabulous too!!